Former Liverpool favourite Roberto Firmino has sent a cryptic message as his future with new club Al-Ahli has been plunged into fresh doubt. The 33-year-old seemingly does not have long left in the Saudi Pro League having been removed from his club's Saudi Pro League squad for the remainder of the season.

Firmino - the player with the most appearances under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool between 2015 and 2023 - said a tearful goodbye to Anfield and took a new path in Saudi Arabia two years ago. But while others have gone to the country to peacefully play out the remainder of their careers, the Brazilian's time has been fraught with trouble.

Especially this campaign, with the Brazilian being benched for six matches starting in October - a telltale sign not all was well. But being the player Reds fans remember him to be, Firmino persisted, has worked his way back into the team and just last weekend scored a stunning bicycle kick for his side.

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Yet that was not enough to prevent a new blow. Manager Matthias Jaissle has opted to exclude his forward from his Saudi Pro League squad for the rest of the 2024/25 term so that he can include winter £41.6m signing Galeno as part of his 10 foreign player allowance.

"It was a difficult decision for the club and based on the rules. We appreciate him and he dealt with it professionally. He’s still one of our leaders," Jaissle commented.

It means that Firmino is only eligible to play in the AFC Champions League Elite from now on, so that would be eight matches for the season if Al-Ahli make it all the way to the final in May.

But there remains the possibility Firmino won't be around to see that. Fabrizio Romano reports clubs are beginning to line up approaches to sign him in the wake of this latest news.

As for the ex-Anfield hero himself, he is yet to specifically comment on the matter. The only statement of any kind made so far is a bible verse posted to his Instagram story.

It reads: "But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)."